Clay clapped Mason on the back. “He’s your brother. And you guys are close. No way would he have done more than punch you.”
“You clearly haven’t been punched by him before. He doesn’t hold back just because we’re related.”
The thought of siblings reminded me that I needed to check in with my sister. I looked around for my bag but couldn’t find it.
“What do you need?” Landon asked, interpreting my drunk squinting correctly.
“My bag. I need my phone. I haven’t checked in with Brielle in a while.”
“You sure that’s a good idea? Maybe wait an hour or two.”
“Wait? Why would I wait? What if she needs me?” I covered my face with my hands. “Oh God, I shouldn’t have left her by herself. What if she’s in trouble?”
Landon pulled me closer, both his arms going around me. “She’s fine. If she wasn’t, I’m sure you would know. You said you talked to the parents of the girl she’s staying with.”
“Oh yeah, I did, didn’t I?” I nibbled on my lip, Landon’s gaze following my every move.
I put my hand on his cheek and widened my eyes to make myself look more sober than what I was. “Just one quick message?”
He sighed but retrieved my bag from somewhere on the floor.
“Fine. But for the record, I tried to stop you.”
It took me a few tries to unlock the phone, but eventually I managed.
Me: Hows you? I loves Vossa.
Me: I’m fabulousous. Me loves Vossa too. Where’s you?
Me: Vegas Las.
Me: You’re here? No way. We shoulds meet.
I stared at my screen in confusion. Brielle was in Vegas? How did she get here?
Another message came in and things became a little clearer.
Brielle: You do realize you’ve just been texting with yourself, right?
Brielle: And please tell me you’re drunk.
Me: Shuts it.
Brielle: I’ll remind you of this conversation with yourself tomorrow.
Me: I have to goop.
Brielle: I’m guessing that means go. Have fun. Stay safe.
“All good?” Landon’s deep baritone made me forget all about the conversation with myself and then my sister.
“Brilliant.”
I handed him my phone, and he put it back in my bag like this was what we usually did. I had never felt so comfortable with someone.
“I need to powder my nose,” I said, the sudden urge to pee making me squirm.
Landon helped me down. “I’ll take you.”
